Sluicegate structure

ABSTRACT

Sluice gate of the flap type to dam large canals or access openings of internal basins, for example to dam the accesses of lagoons to the open sea and comprises hinged hollow elements which can be flooded with water to cause sinking into a recess, or floated by means of compressed air thus forming a barrage.

United States Patent 1191 Solinas 1451 Sept. 4,1973

[ SLUICEGATE STRUCTURE [75] Inventor: Ludovico Solinas, Bologna, Italy[73] Assignee: Riva Calzoni S.p.A., Bologna, Italy [22] Filed: Mar. 10,1971 [211 App]. No.: 122,737

[52] US. Cl. 61/25, 61/8 [51] Int. Cl E02b 7/42 [58] Field of Search61/25, 22, 23, 26, 61/8, 27

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 194,922 9/1877 Marshall61/25 l,559,35l l0/1925 3,333,423 8/1967 1,997,146 4/1935 2,055,1929/1936 Becher 151 25 3,543,521 12 1970 Aubert 61/25 FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS 519,523 0 1955 Canada .1 61/25 1,069,087 0 1959 Germany 6122 Primary Examiner-Jacob Shapiro Attorney-Guido Modiano and AlbertJosif [57] ABSTRACT Sluice gate of the flap type to dam large canals oraccess openings of internal basins, for example to dam the accesses oflagoons to the open sea and comprises hinged hollow elements which canbe flooded with water to cause sinking into a recess, or floated bymeans of compressed air thus forming a barrage.

4 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEDSEP 4 Ian 3.756.032

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PATENTEDSEP 4 m5 SNEEI 8 0f 4 INVENTOR Ludovico SOLINAS 3 AGENT PATENTEUE 4 I SHEET 3 or 4 INVENTOR MYM o L G O A S PATENTEDSEP 41m 3.756.032

SHEEI s (If 4 IN NTOR Ludovico S INAS AGENT SLUICEGATE STRUCTUREBackground of the Invention The present invention relates to a sluicegate of the flap type to dam large canals or access openings of internalbasins, for example to dam the accesses of lagoons to the open sea.

Particularly in relation to lagoons, the problem of how to protect theinternal installations of the lagoon from the high water phenomenon incases of strong sea storms, in a common one. This phenomenon therebyhightening the level of the external water causing an excessive inlet ofwater into the lagoon.

A general criterion that could be used to protect internal basins, inparticular lagoons, is that of temporarily daming the access openingsduring the strong sea storms so that the level of the inside waterremains substantially constant.

The difficulty of carrying out practically such a criterion, however, isthat the accesses to the internal basins are generally very large.Moreover, they are generally navigable, so that the construction ofbarrages with sluice gates of known type, would require the manufactureof a fixed structure to reduce the extension of the span to be darned,as well as the manufacture of sluice gate control structures.

Such installations and structures nevertheless hinder the passability,which the accesses should instead possess, to be able to be crossed byships even of large tonnage.

Moreover, the presence of fixed structures such as piers or the like,along the span of the access opening, could modify the normal running ofwater flow and downflow in the internal basin, which could producevariations in the depth of the lagoon, even in normal conditions.

Besides this, conventional sluice gates, for the exceptional dimensionsof such access openings, would require enormous mechanismus andconcentrations of lifting strains in very limited zones, causingrelevant disuniformities in the dimensions of the building structures.

More than this, the motion of the waves would cause very big periodicthrusts on said sluice gates which could be cushioned only with suitableand costly working elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is toproduce a sluice gate structure for the temporary closure of largeaccess openings to internal waters, like lagoons, without needing fixedintermediate structures or structures that can interrupt or restrict orchange the normal continuity of the openings themselves.

The invention, besides, permits the use of submersed building structureshaving a uniform structure along all the length of the opening, andfinally using their same functional characteristics, to cushion, in asecure and simple manner the periodic thrusts due to wave motion.

The solution of the above mentioned problems consists, according to theinvention, ofa flap sluice gate for the temporary barrage of canals,access openings to basins, lagoons and the like, wherein it comprises abase arranged transversally on the bottom of the canal or opening to bedammed, so that it does not substantially project from the bottomitself, at least one hollow element hinged to said base and suitable toalternatively rotate from a substantially horizontal immersion positionto a dam or open position in which the free end of said hollow elementemerges from the water surface for a hight depending upon the angle ofrotation, a recess formed in said base to house said hollow element in away that this latter does not project from the bottom when it is in ahorizontal position, at least one hole formed on thelower border of saidhollow element near the hinge axis, a duct for the adduction anddischarge of compressed air in and from said hollow element, extendingto the opposite side to that in which the said hole is provided andconnected with a further compressed air duct through an articulatedjoint, the adduction and discharge of the air producing the outflow andinflow respectively of water through the said hole and therefore theraising and lowering of the hollow element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described ingreater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings given only asindicative and not limiting examples, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic frontal view of the sluice gate with severalelements according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a transverse section of the sluice gate in a dam andopening position, this latter position being indicated with dottedlines;

FIG. 3 shows a section of the joining elements of the sluice gate partsat the immersed base;

FIG. 4 shows a section taken along the line lV--IV of FIG. 3 andillustrates the sealing means on the bottom as well as the meanssignalling the open and closure positions of the sluice gate;

FIG. 5 shows in section a modified embodiment of the sealing means onthe bottom between the base and the sluice gate parts, and

FIGS. 6 and 7 show modified embodiments of the articulated connectionbetween the hollow element and the base.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to the abovementioned figures and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be noticedthat a sluice gate structure according to the invention consists of aplurality of wall elements 1. These are internally hollow and fixed in arotating manner to positive hinges generally indicated at 2 which aresupported from a base 3 built on the bottom of the canal or access whichhas to be temporarily dammed. The above mentioned hollow elements 1 areplaced side by side one to the other with an interspace 4 whoseextension can be adjusted through the plates 5 fixed onto the sides ofthe elements 1.

Such elements 1 are however rotatable at their respective hinges 2 in anindependent positive way between a position of complete lowering withina recess 6 formed under the profile 7 of the bottom, and a surfaced oremerged position (indicated with full lines in FIG. 2), in which the end8, opposite to the hinges 2, emerges from the surface 9 of the headwater (for example open sea) in a way that the surface 10 of the tailwater (for example a lagoon) can remain unaltered to a level lower thanthat of the head water.

In the lowered position in which the hollow elements 1 are completelyhoused within the recess 6, the end 8 rests, by means of the buffers orpads 11, on a plate 12 arranged on a bracket 13 formed on the wall 14delimiting the recess 6.

Each hollow element 1 is formed from an external casing 15 of weldedsheets supported by a plurality of section pieces 16 forming areticulated structure. Preferably but not exclusively, each hollowelement 1 consists of a hollow portion 17, arranged at the end 8, whichis a watertight compartment in order to form a float, and of a chamber18 occupying the remaining part of the hollow element, which is insteadprovided in the lower part with an opening 19 communicating with theoutside.

Within the chamber 18 a duct 28 is arranged which extends from thehinges 2 upto the wall 21 delimiting the hollow float portion 17 nearwhich it opens out at an opening 22.

Through said duct 20, a fluid under pressure, in practice compressedair, is introduced into the space 18 through tubing and unions whichwill be better described in the following.

With the inlet of compressed air, and supposing that the elements 1 arein the immersed position and there fore with the chamber 18 flooded,there is a gradual expulsion of water from the chamber 18 through theopenings 19, with which operation the sluice gate elements 1 graduallysurface. Obviously the watertight hollow float portion 17 contributes tothis surfacing. The speed of surfacing of the elements 1 is controlledby adjusting the openings 19, which also control the velocity offlooding during the immersion phase of the same elements I.

A sector 23 arranged within the chamber 18 upstream from the opening 22of the duct 20, conveys compressed air through an opening 24 towards thelower part of the chamber 18.

With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3 it will be noted that the immersedbase 3 is provided with an underground passage 25, in which the feedingducts of compressed air for the operation of the sluice gate elements 1and the apparatus of control, of regulation and auxiliary apparatus, arearranged.

In particular, said underground passage 25 is provided with passages 26(FIG. 4) closed by sealing with a case 27. Through the case 27 anarticulated duct or union 28 is arranged joining the duct 20 inside eachsluice gate element 1, with the fixed compressed air feeding duct 29passing in the underground passage 25. Said articulated duct 28 isformed from an elbow tube whose end 30 is rigidly fixed with the flange31 to the duct 20 with the interpositioning of a throttle valve 32 forthe interception of the duct 28 when maintenance of the system isnecessary.

The other end 33 of the articulated joint 28 crosses the wall 34 of thecase 27 with the interpositioning of seal elements 35, which allowrotation and joins to the end 36 of the fixed duct 29 by means of arotary joint with the interpositioning of a gasket 37.

This joint is supported from the ring bracket 38 mounted on the case 27.The axis of rotation of said rotating joint coincides with the axis ofthe hinging pins 2 of the hollow elements 1 at the immersed base 3.

Still referring to FIG. 3 it will he noted that for anchoring theelements 1 a support 39 is provided. It is rigid to a plate 42 anchoredto the immersed base 3 and has lugs 40 and 41, which bear the ends of ahollow pin 43. Said hollow pin 43 is surrounded by a bush 44 ofself-lubricating material, housed in the hole 45 of the lug 46 fixed tothe sluice gate hollow elements 1.

Through an axial hole 47 of the pin 43, a tube 48 is passed, coming fromthe underground passage 35, within which a circulating heating fluidruns along the hinge axis to avoid the marine fauna as much as possiblefrom attaching to the metallic structures compromising its operation.

For the same reason other tubing 49, used also for heating, are providedin the same hinge zone of the hollow elements 1.

On the inside of the underground passage 25 (FIG. 1) are then alsoprovided a valve 50 for the interception of the fluid under pressure, onthe duct 29, and a device 51 for the outflow of the condensate.

With particular reference now to FIG. 4, it will be noted that on theinside of the case 27, at the end 33 of the duct 28, a cam 52 isconnected with at least two lobes 53 and 54. With said cam a lever 55cooperates, which actuates an interruptor 56.

Because the lobes 53 and 54 correspond to the positions of opening andclosing respectively of the sluice gate elements 1, from the interruptor56 signals indicating the positions of the sluice gate elements can bederived.

Still with reference to FIG. 4 it will be seen that the structurecomprises a device of elements suitable to allow at least a partialwatertight seal at the immersed corner 57 of the sluice gate elements 1,when they are in the dam position. Said elements consist of a platemember 58 fixed on the immersed base 3, with a border 59 projecting fromthe base itself, and of a cooperating plate member 60 connected to thesaid corner 57. When the hollow elements 1 are in the dam position, themember 60 adheres to the border 59 of the plate member 58, so that atangential seal is obtained on the bottom. At the same time the border59 acts as a shoulder to the buoyancy of the sluice gates in the damposition.

In accordance instead with FIG. 5, said seal on the bottom is providedby means of a flexible plate 61, clamped by clamps 62 at the immersedbase 3 and by clamps 63 at the lower corner 57 of the said hollowelements 1.

As a modified embodiment to the articulated duct 28 the invention alsoprovides the use of a flexible tube.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6 the flexible tube is indicated at 64. It isflanged with an end to the duct 20 internal the hollow element 1 withthe interpositioning of a throttle valve 65 similar to that indicated at32 in FIG. 3. The opposite end of the flexible tube 64 is insteadflanged to the duct 29 with the interpositioning of a plate 66 whichcloses the opening 26 derived from the underground passage 25.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7 the flexible tube is indicated at 67 and itextends according to an arch of a circle when the hollow element 1 is inthe darn position. Suitably, the duct 20 leaves from the upper face ofthe casing 15 and the duct 29 is anchored at the base 3.

In both the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7 the flexible tube can beproduced in synthetic rubber with a steel support. Nevertheless it ispreferably of stainless and corrugated steel, which offers particularresistance to the corrosive effects of water.

The operating of the sluice gate structure according to the invention iswithout doubt evident from the above description. By means of thesending of compressed air into the chamber 18 the floating of the ho]-low elements 1 is caused and therefore their rotation at the hinges 2with consequent emersion. They move thus into the dam position withoutrequiring fixed installations which may restrict the transversedimensions of the opening to be darned.

By means of the evacuation of compressed air the sluice gate elements 1are flooded and consequently sink slowly into the recess 6 beneath theprofile of the bottom.

it will be seen from FIG. 4 that the rotation of the sluice gateelements 1, in this sinking phase, is not impeded by the border 59,because of a slight curving of the free end of the plate member 60.

I claim:

1. A flap sluice gate for temporary barrage of canals, access opening tobasins, lagoons and the like when the level of the water on one side ofsaid gate rises with respect to the other side, comprising a basearranged transversally on the bottom of the canal or opening to bedammed, a hollow wall element supported by said base, duct means foradduction and discharge of compressed air in and from said hollow wallelement extending to the free end thereof, at least one hole formed onthe border of said hollow wall element opposite to said free end, saidduct means being connected with a compressed air source, the adductionand discharge of the air producing the outflow and inflow respectivelyof water through the said hole and therefore a buoyancy which causes thehollow wall element to rise from its horizontal immersion position in adam position in which its free end portion emerges from the level of therising water and wherein according to the improvement the hollow wallelement has positive hinging means defining a hinge axis for rotatablypositively supporting said wall on the base.

2. A flap sluice gate for temporary barrage of canals, access opening tobasins, lagoons and the like when the level of the water on one side ofsaid gate rises with respect to the other side, comprising a basearranged transversally on the bottom of the canal or opening to bedammed, a hollow wall element supported by said base, duct means foradduction and discharge of compressed air in and from said hollow wallelement extending to the free end thereof, at least one hole formed onthe border of said hollow wall element opposite to said free end, saidduct means being connected with a compressed air source, the adductionand discharge of the air producing the outflow and inflow respectivelyof water through the said hole and therefore a buoyancy which causes thehollow wall element to rise from its horizontal immersion position in adam position in which its free end portion emerges from the level of therising water and wherein according to the improvement the hollow wallelement has hinging means defining a hinge axis for rotatably supportingsaid wall on the base and wherein a union tube is provided connectedwith an end with the duct means which extends into the inside of thehollow wall element and bent like an elbow in a way to be aligned, withthe opposite end, with the hinge axis of the said hollow wall element,compressed air duct means being further provided coming from theunderground passage of the base, through a passage and seal joined withsaid union tube, the point of connection of said union tube with saidcompressed air duct'means being contained in a case anchored to the basefor closing said passage.

3. A sluice gate as claimed in claim 2, further comprising heated fluidcirculation tubing having a section thereof extending coaxially to thehinge axis of the hollow wall elements.

4. A sluice gate as claimed in claim 2, wherein on the end of the uniontube aligned with the hinge axis a cam projection is provided having twolobes suitable to operate, by means of a lever a switch for thedetection of the opening and closing positions of the sluice gate.

UNETED STATES PATENT GFFICE CERTHFKZATE QECGRRECTEON Patent No. 3 ,756,032 Dated September 1973 Inventor(s) Ludmrica SOLINAS It is certifiedthat error appears in the above-identified patent. and that said LettersPatent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the title page after the line identifying the application nmnberinsert the following:

' Foreign Application Priority Date Ita1y=u @.=22Q1 l- Signed and sealedthis 23rd (3a;- of April 1972;.

EDEIARD ILFLETCHERJR. .1'-IARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer ommissioner ofPatents

1. A flap sluice gate for temporary barrage of canals, access opening tobasins, lagoons and the like when the level of the water on one side ofsaid gate rises with respect to the other side, comprising a basearranged transversally on the bottom of the canal or opening to bedammed, a hollow wall element supported by said base, duct means foradduction and discharge of compressed air in and from said hollow wallelement extending to the free end thereof, at least one hole formed onthe border of said hollow wall element opposite to said free end, saidduct means being connected with a compressed air source, the adductionand discharge of the air producing the outflow and inflow respectivelyof water through the said hole and therefore a buoyancy which causes thehollow wall element to rise from its horizontal immersion position in adam position in which its free end portion emerges from the level of therising water and wherein according to the improvement the hollow wallelement has positive hinging means defining a hinge axis for rotatablypositively supporting said wall on the base.
 2. A flap sluice gate fortemporary barrage of canals, access opening to basins, lagoons and thelike when the level of the water on one side of said gate rises withrespect to the other side, comprising a base arranged tRansversally onthe bottom of the canal or opening to be dammed, a hollow wall elementsupported by said base, duct means for adduction and discharge ofcompressed air in and from said hollow wall element extending to thefree end thereof, at least one hole formed on the border of said hollowwall element opposite to said free end, said duct means being connectedwith a compressed air source, the adduction and discharge of the airproducing the outflow and inflow respectively of water through the saidhole and therefore a buoyancy which causes the hollow wall element torise from its horizontal immersion position in a dam position in whichits free end portion emerges from the level of the rising water andwherein according to the improvement the hollow wall element has hingingmeans defining a hinge axis for rotatably supporting said wall on thebase and wherein a union tube is provided connected with an end with theduct means which extends into the inside of the hollow wall element andbent like an elbow in a way to be aligned, with the opposite end, withthe hinge axis of the said hollow wall element, compressed air ductmeans being further provided coming from the underground passage of thebase, through a passage and seal joined with said union tube, the pointof connection of said union tube with said compressed air duct meansbeing contained in a case anchored to the base for closing said passage.3. A sluice gate as claimed in claim 2, further comprising heated fluidcirculation tubing having a section thereof extending coaxially to thehinge axis of the hollow wall elements.
 4. A sluice gate as claimed inclaim 2, wherein on the end of the union tube aligned with the hingeaxis a cam projection is provided having two lobes suitable to operate,by means of a lever , a switch for the detection of the opening andclosing positions of the sluice gate.